Lexington city officials continue planning on lowering greenhouse emissions

Lexington city officials are ready to move into the next phase of sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. Council members got a briefing last week.

The Urban County Council in 2008 first authorized the City to develop a plan to lower energy use and emissions. Blaine Early the Third chairs the Lexington Environmental Commission. He said an overarching question is what’s the level of greenhouse gas emissions.

“That’s important really because as a measure of what we’re doing to reduce energy use to be more efficient and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that we hope mitigate climate change…we need to have that kind of measurement,” said Early.

The overall Empower Lexington effort covers other issues as well. In one of six sectors labeled materials and resources, it includes a goal to establish programs that discourage the use of single plastics, such as plastic bags.

Amy Sohner, director of Bluegrass Greensource, participated in the formation of the plan. Sohner said the most recent greenhouse emissions survey showed a decline due to changes made by utilities.

“Not necessarily because of the work that individuals and residents in the community are doing. It was more based on utilities. So, that’s going to be the clearest, easiest way. But, changing what the utilities do is like moving a battleship. You know, it is not an easy, overnight thing unless economics drives it,” said Sohner.

Sohner said she considers the lowest-hanging fruit when it comes to a climate action plan is getting residents in central Kentucky to understand they can make a difference. Bluegrass Greensource provides environmental education, resources, and outreach. Sohner’s been the director since the beginning in 2001 when it was called “Bluegrass Pride.” Sohner said Bluegrass Greensource’s motto is “small changes-big impact.” Environmental Quality and Public Works is a sponsor of Weku.

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